Comments on: Medicaid in-home support programs: getting more for less

By: Dr. Ivy Dempsey

Dr. Ivy Dempsey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:19:46 +0000

This analysis promoting in-home care is both responsibly-presented and entirely convincing. It is essential that the measures Dr. Dempsey-Polan is so persuasively arguing for be adopted, as they clearly promote the well-being of a growing number of our citizens, along with the undeniable tax-dollar savings involved. A rare win-win opportunity for all Oklahomans.

By: Scott Shepherd

Scott Shepherd — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:54:07 +0000

It’s seems crazy to ignore the facts:

-People want to stay in their homes.

-People who stay in their homes with proper in-home care costs less than a nursing home.

-People who stay in their home live heathier, longer lives.

There is no downside. It’s time to get with it and properly support a win-win solution.

By: Tricia

Tricia — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:39:10 +0000

With a growing senior population, it makes sense to support programs that help stretch taxpayer dollars, and provide much needed care in ways that seniors and their families prefer to receive it.

By: Rickye Dixon

Rickye Dixon — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:03:13 +0000

Dr.Dempsey-Polan’s passion for and support of this subject is critical to all Oklahomans, especially seniors and caregivers. I support this article and her vision completely. I agree that this is the plan of action to take and hope that Oklahoma will wake up and do the right thing for this state and all Oklahomans.

By: Suzy Sharp

Suzy Sharp — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:52:16 +0000

This is such an important issue. An AARP study shows that over 90% of older Oklahomans want to receive their long-term services in their own home. And we know that home and community-based services are far more cost effective than instituional care. So it’s clear that HCBS is a win-win for older adults and their families and for Oklahoma’s budget (and taxpayers). This seems like such a easy issue to understand. We must do what it takes to make Oklahoma’s HCBS system work and we must hold our legislative representatives and government officials accountable on this important issue. Dr. Dempsey-Polan’s comments and efforts are completely on target. I would love to see the Oklahoma Policy Institute more involved in this issue and other issues of aging and caregiving.

By: Anja Rogers

Anja Rogers — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:46:44 +0000

I appreciate Dr. Dempsey-Polan’s article and support her views completely…I strongly endorse this plan of action and would like to see more focus on this issue immediately. Oklahoma, it’s time to break through the red tape and do what is best for Oklahomans and their families—it truly would be a win~win for everyone.

By: Donna Rhodes

Donna Rhodes — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:21:37 +0000

This is a critical issue to all Oklahomans. Economic recessions tend to lead to declining state revenues while states are faced with rising Medicaid costs from the increased demand for Medicaid programs and services. The current economic environment is causing most states to look at making deep budget cuts and Medicaid is usually targeted. Since HCBS is still considered “optional” but nursing facility services are an “entitlement” for Medicaid beneficiaries, the continuation of in home programs and services are at risk when cuts are considered.

Evidence indicates that states investing in HCBS experience slower Medicaid expenditure growth with the dual benefit of offering its citizens long term care choices. Now, more than ever, farsighted and innovative thinking are necessary for ensuring in home services and programs are retained as one of our choices for long term care. One practical and proven way to invest in HCBS is through “in home provider assessments”. With this approach, the investment starts with the Providers investing in Medicaid by paying assessments. This in turn creates a return on the provider’s investment to the state along with a federal match that benefits the state Medicaid budget, the Provider with reasonable reimbursement, and ultimately the Medicaid beneficiary. Other states are already considering this approach. It would seem farsighted for Oklahoma to be one of those states also.

By: Kathy King

Kathy King — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:00:40 +0000

Dr. Dempsey-Polan is an expert on these topics, and our best local advocate for Vulnerable Adults. Her knowledge and passion assist Tulsa Area population on a daily basis. We support her views, and hope that the much-needed attention will be given to our Vulnerable Adults. We all would pray we could stay in our own homes, when disabled or ill, and wish those in “power” will understand the advantages.